RESPOND

Research Project, 2026 – 2029

Climate change is increasingly affecting Europe through more frequent and severe flooding, storm surges and extreme weather. Between 2021 and 2023, climate-related disasters cost Europe around €43 billion annually, placing growing pressure on public finances and insurance systems. Denmark and Sweden are particularly exposed due to their long coastlines, low-lying areas and large populations living near water. At the same time, responsibilities for climate adaptation are fragmented across authorities, municipalities, utilities, insurers and property owners, leaving many homeowners without clear guidance on how to manage flood risk. Municipalities increasingly face recurring flooding but often lack practical solutions where large-scale infrastructure investments are not feasible. This creates uncertainty, delays action and undermines resilience.

RESPOND-ÖKS addresses this challenge by making climate adaptation operational at household and building level. The project translates existing risk knowledge into practical action through 3-4 risk-informed response profiles tailored to different housing types, locations and risk levels. These profiles identify meaningful actions before, during and after flooding.

The project combines these profiles with a governance and decision-support framework that helps municipalities guide citizens, define adaptation thresholds and clarify responsibilities. Through risk analyses, practical toolboxes, a demonstrator building and cross-border learning, RESPOND strengthens both municipal decision-making and citizens’ capacity to act. RESPOND-ÖKS empowers citizens, supports municipalities with actionable tools and promotes equitable and effective climate adaptation across the ÖKS region.

Key deliverables:

- A joint Danish-Swedish decision and response framework.
- 3-4 risk-informed response profiles.
- A catalogue of building-level adaptation measures.
- A governance framework and policy brief supporting stepwise adaptation.
- Practical lessons from a demonstrator building.